The Virgin, the Sibyl and the Emperor Augustus 

This illumination of 'The Virgin, the Sibyl and the Emperor Augustus' was painted by the Limbourg brothers. Its jewel-like colours and intricate details on vellum command immediate attention. The composition is structured vertically, organizing the three scenes within a single frame. At the top, the Virgin Mary cradles the infant Jesus, set against a radiant sunburst in a circular frame. Below, on the left, a Sibyl points upwards, while on the right, Emperor Augustus kneels in adoration. Each scene is framed in gold, emphasizing their individual significance while contributing to the overall symmetry. The figures are stylized, their elongated forms reminiscent of Gothic art, yet there’s an emerging naturalism in the rendering of drapery and facial expressions. The Limbourg brothers skillfully utilize colour and light to draw the viewer's eye. The ultramarine blues and the deep reds create a visual hierarchy, emphasizing the divine figures. This page from a Book of Hours is a masterclass in miniature painting, demonstrating an astute use of form to convey complex theological concepts.